Premium Disney World Services – Guest Convenience or Money-Making Opportunity?

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April 14, 2016

Walt Disney World has really been keeping all of us on our toes lately with the addition of special ticketed events, parking fees and new price structures. A lot of guests have become frustrated with the way Disney seems to be “nickel and diming” its guests the last few months. But for every 1 person that refuses to participate in the new offerings there are dozens more who will likely jump at the chance. Are the recent additions intended to enhance the guest’s overall experience or is it simply an opportunity to squeeze more money out of those looking for a magical Disney vacation? Love it or hate it, below is a summary of the new premium services that are now being offered:

Early Morning Magic

Guests can enjoy early morning access to Disney’s Magic Kingdom with Early Morning Magic. Tickets are available for $69 per adult and $59 per child, in addition to regular theme park admission, on select Tuesday and Saturday mornings from April 26th through June 28th. This is a hard ticket event that includes early access to 3 Fantasyland attractions (Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh) from 7:45am until 10:00am plus a breakfast at Pinocchio Village Haus.

Disney After Hours

Night owls can pay $149 per ticket for access to over 25 attractions and characters, plus enjoy free ice cream and bottled beverages with Disney After Hours. The event is currently only scheduled for a total of seven nights during April and May and is limited to a small number of guests each night. Guests will be able to stay inside the Magic Kingdom for 3 additional hours after the park closes and will be allowed admittance as early as 7pm.

Thursday, April 14, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Thursday, April 21, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Thursday, May 19, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Premium Parking Fee

Not only did the cost of parking recently increase from $17 to $20 per day but guests now have the option to pay an extra $15 for premium parking. For $35 per day guests can enjoy a prime parking spot close to the park entrance.

Seasonal Ticket Pricing Structure

1-Day theme park tickets are now priced differently depending on the time of year you plan to visit Walt Disney World. The three different seasons are Value (from $97 ages 10+), Regular (from $102 ages 10+) and Peak (from $114 ages 10+). Visit during school vacation weeks or the holidays and you’ll end up paying a premium for peak season.

RunDisney

A new packet pick-up service is available for the first time this weekend at the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. For $39 per race registration runners will be able to pick up their race packet and bib number at the VIP Pick-Up Tent the morning of the race rather than make a special trip over to ESPN Zone.

Children’s Activity Centers

Lilo’s Playhouse at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Sandcastle Club at Disney’s Beach Club Resort have both recently added new programming to their children activity centers. The price is a flat rate of $55 per child and runs from 4:30pm until midnight. The program includes fun activities, dinner and even a visit from some of their favorite Disney characters. Simba’s Clubhouse at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Camp Dolphin at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel still offer hourly rates with a 2 hour minimum. Cub’s Den at The Wilderness Lodge is closed while the resort is undergoing refurbishment.

Dining Plan Increase

The cost of adding a dining plan to your Walt Disney World reservation increased by a couple of dollars per person, per night last month. The current cost per night is:

Quick Service: Adult (10+) $44.13 Child (3-9) $19.04

Plus Dining Plan: Adult (10+) $63.70 Child (3-9) $22.85

Deluxe Dining Plan: Adult (10+) $115.08 Child (3-9) $35.49

Potential Resort Fee

Guests of Walt Disney World Resort Hotels were recently surveyed to see if they would be willing to pay a $15 resort fee for amenities that are currently free to Disney guests. The fee would cover benefits such as Disney’s Magical Express, Fastpass+, MagicBands, Extra Magic Hours, parking, WiFi and various resort entertainment. A resort fee has not been implemented but it has to make you wonder if it is a distinct possibility with all of the recent changes Disney has made lately.

Contact [email protected], visit my Facebook page here or view this eBrochure to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE.

Pixar’s Coco Begins Production Today

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2016

Little has been said about the Pixar’s “Coco” since last year’s D23 Expo, but today we finally got some news on the film! The film’s director Lee Unkrich (who is also directing “Toy Story 3”) announced that Pixar Studios has begun animation on the film, via Twitter:

So excited that we’ve OFFICIALLY STARTED ANIMATION ON COCO!! ?

— Lee Unkrich (@leeunkrich) April 12, 2016

I couldn’t be more excited! This film is sure to be visually stunning and unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, being largely inspired by the Mexican folk art that surrounds the holiday Dia de los Muertos.

The plot of the film will center around 12-year-old Miguel, who enters into the realm of the dead. Throughout the film, we will see people in the mortal world celebrating Dia de los Muertos, while also experiencing the realm of the afterlife such as skeleton mariachis, etc. “Coco” is set to be released November 22, 2017.

Peter Pan has been added to Disney Live-Action Line-Up

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2016

Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1953 brought to audiences the most successful adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” and now 63 years later Disney has announced that they will be bringing us another adaptation of the beloved classic.

The “Peter Pan” live action film will be directed by David Lowrey, who is also the director of this year’s upcoming Walt Disney Studio’s film “Pete’s Dragon,” so he knows a thing or two about adapting classic stories for modern audiences! The script will be written by Toby Hallbrooks.

There are many other films that Disney has announced over the past couple of years that were classic animated films that will be made into live-action adaptations, including “The Jungle Book” opening this Friday and “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opening in May. Although I’m overjoyed about all of them, “Peter Pan” is definitely one I am most ecstatic about!

Pic Credit: Disney

Save Up to 80% On Clearance Disney Items at Kohl’s

By

Danielle

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April 13, 2016

Right now you can save up to 80% on Clearance Disney Items marked final clearance when you take an extra 20% off already-reduced clearance at Kohl’s.

With Kohl’s awesome extra discount on clearance items right now, you can score some really fun Disney finds now until April 30, 2016. Check out some of my favorite things on sale for a steal and under $20.00 right now!

Some of the super cute Lauren Conrad Bambi items are on sale for super low prices, like the Bambi Graphic Tunics and Bambi Floral Dress.

There is even a super cute Mickey Mouse Tee for under eight bucks that I am totally in love with.

Kohl's Mickey Shirt

With summer vacation coming up around the corner, Disney Sleeping Bags would be a great thing to have on hand! You can send your little one off to his or her first slumber party in style with these cute sleeping bags by Jumping Beans.

Kohl's Disney Sleeping Bags

My absolute favorite item on sale at Kohl’s right now is the Minnie Rocks the Dots Flare Dress.

Kohl's Minnie Rocks the Dots

This dress is too adorable, and has a charming fit and flare design. There’s a gorgeous pattern of “Minnie Mouses” and flowers dappling the black lace top of the dress, as well as the sheer sheath skirt on the bottom.

If you love getting great Disney items at a great price now is the time to check out Kohl’s while their clearance is on an additional 20% off!

Marvel’s Doctor Strange Teaser Trailer is Here!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2016

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In Marvel’s second film of this year, we will get to meet another intriguing Marvel hero, Doctor Strange. Coming to theaters November 4th, “Doctor Strange” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, and Tilda Swinton. This Marvel character is a bit more on the supernatural side, centering around a surgeon’s whose life is nearly destroyed until a sorcerer trains him to help protect the world against evil.

The first teaser trailer for the film has arrived, and as always with Marvel the film looks visually stunning with an epic story line:

You can also see some still shots from the trailer below:

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Who else can’t wait for “Doctor Strange”?

Fortunately to tide us over till November 4th, we get to look forward to the “Captain America: Civil War” release on May 6th!

Let it Go With The Olaf Toilet Seat Decal Sticker

By

Danielle

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April 13, 2016

Sometimes potty humor can be hilarious and Disney themed! An Olaf Toilet Seat Decal Sticker will crack up anyone who uses your bathroom, or if they aren’t a fan of Frozen maybe make them begrudgingly smile a little.

Sure this decal would be great for a Frozen of Disney themed bathroom, but since it’s discreetly hidden I feel it works for any decor. It’s also sure to make potty time for for little ones who are still getting used to going like a big kid. The Olaf Toilet Seat Decal is approximately 12″ tall, and made from high quality vinyl, so it can be used not only in the bathroom, but anywhere you’d like to have a little extra Olaf magic. He’s all weather so he could even smile from your rear view window. I don’t know how my husband would feel about Olaf on the potty, but it might be good for a few laughs the first time he sees it. For only $7.33 on Amazon he’s a steal!

So what about you, would you Let it Go with Olaf?

Upset mom yells at American Airline employees over almost missing Disney Cruise

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2016

A mom of two young children waiting to board an American Airline flight from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Miami had a serious meltdown on March 24th. Her flight, which was scheduled to take off at 9:00pm was repeatedly delayed, the flight didn’t leave until March 25th at 8:50 a.m. and arrived in Miami at 11:47 a.m., 11 ½ hours after its scheduled arrival. Her family was heading down to Miami to board a Disney Cruise and she was worried they would now miss the boarding.

“You lied to me! You lied to me!” the woman screams in the profanity-laced video. “You’re all gonna pay for my Disney cruise, and you’re going to pay for everything else here!”

According to American Airlines a few issues caused this delay. First due to the wind the plane had to land in Philadelphia, then because of a ground stop issued by the FAA, the plane has to wait several hours before taking off from Philadelphia. Finally when it landed in New York the flight crew was nearing their work hour limited which requires them to take a 10 hour rest until they could fly again. FAA rules which could not be worked around.

A consumer advocate, Charlie Leocha of Travelers United claims people should plan ahead for instances just like this, weather and other uncontrolled events, by not flying at the last minute or purchasing travel insurance.

This is all good advice however the mom of the 13 and 9 year old who were waiting for hours for their vacation to begin obviously wasn’t aware of these suggestions prior to her cruise.

Disney said no one missed the cruise out of Miami which left more than five hours after it’s original scheduled departure, at 5:10 p.m.

Do you think this mom went a little overboard? Share your opinion below!

New Disney Springs Shopping Experiences to begin opening in May

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2016

The new Town Center neighborhood of Disney Springs is coming together nicely, with quite a few of the announced stores planning to open up to guests around May 15 this year. By July 1st, the majority of the new stores in this new shopping “neighborhood” of Disney Springs should be open, along with plenty other dining and entertainment experiences that the newly re-imagined Disney Springs has in the making.

The current list of new stores to join the Disney Springs Town Center neighborhood are as follows:

ALEX AND ANI
American Threads
Anthropologie
Coca-Cola Store
Columbia Sportswear
Edward Beiner
Everything But Water
Francesca’s
Free People
JOHNNY WAS
Johnston & Murphy
kate spade new york
Kipling
LACOSTE
Lilly Pulitzer
L’Occitane En Provence
Lucky Brand
Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
M·A·C Cosmetics
Melissa Shoes
Na Hoku
Oakley
PANDORA
Sephora
Shore
Sperry
Tommy Bahama
TROPHY ROOM
UGG
Under Armour
UNOde50
Vince Camuto
Vera Bradley
Volcom
Zara

It looks like Disney Springs is shaping up to create an all-day shopping experience with all these new stores guests will have to check out!

If you’d like to book a Disney vacation to have your own shopping extravaganza at the newly renovated Disney Springs, send me an email at [email protected] to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation Planning services.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Exciting New Program at Select Disney World Children’s Activity Centers

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2016

Everyone loves to experience Walt Disney World with their children but sometimes it’s nice to have some adult time too. Read on to learn more about the new and exciting programming available at select Children’s Activity Centers. The kids will have a blast, eat dinner and be well taken care of while you all enjoy an evening out!

Science, Baking and Swashbuckling Fun

Explore imaginative worlds with activities that educate, entertain and enchant! Plus, kids will love meeting some of their favorite Disney friends. As little ones begin their magical journey, parents can head out for some grown-up fun of their own!

This fun and interactive event is available at the following locations:

Lilo’s Playhouse – Located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Sandcastle Club – Located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Nightly programming may include:

Lava Flow – Learn all about physics! Build paper mountain volcanoes then watch them explode—just like the real thing.
Ratatouille Cooking School – Join a specially trained cookie chef and learn how to make chocolate chip goodies fit for the toughest food critic—even Remy would agree.
So You Want To Be a Pirate? – Leave your landlubber ways behind—train like a buccaneer and come face to face with Captain Hook.

Know Before You Go

Children must be 3 to 12 years old and fully potty-trained in order to participate and no pull-ups are allowed. The program runs from 4:30pm until midnight at a flat rate of $55 per child for the duration of the evening.

Dinner is included in the cost of the service and parents can order from a kid-friendly menu for their children upon check in. Dinner will be served at approximately 6:00pm and snacks at 10:00pm. Lilo’s Playhouse is able to accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice and no outside food is allowed.

Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) and payment is due upon booking. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy. Same day walk-ins are welcome based on availability.

Children’s Activity Centers

If you don’t plan on being out for long then you may want to consider an activity center that offers an hourly rate. In a secure, fun environment staffed by caring counselors, your little ones can play video and board games, read books, enjoy arts and crafts, and even make new friends! With dinner, a Disney movie and nightly themed activities with cool prizes and souvenirs, it’s an evening they’re sure to rave about for days to come.

Simba’s Clubhouse

The children’s activity center is located on the first floor of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Follow the Zebra Trail just off the Uzima Pool deck area. Supervised activities are available at Simba’s Clubhouse for children ages 3 to 12 at the hourly rate of $15 per child with a 2 hour minimum.

Dinner is included in the cost of the service and parents can order from a kid-friendly menu for their children upon check in. Dinner will be served at approximately 6:00pm and snacks at 10:00pm. Simba’s Clubhouse is able to accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice and no outside food is allowed.

Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) and payment is due upon booking. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy. Same day walk-ins are welcome based on availability.

Camp Dolphin

The children’s activity center is located on the first level of Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel with supervised activities for children ages 4 – 12 years old. An hourly rate of $12 is charged per child, and a 2-hour minimum applies. Dinner is available for an additional $10 per child.

Children must be potty-trained and no pull-ups are allowed. Reservations are required for Camp Dolphin’s evening program since it is limited to only 15 children a night. To make a reservation, please call (407) 934-4241.

Get Comped at Camp Dolphin

Treat yourself to dinner or a spa session and receive up to 2 hours of free childcare at Camp Dolphin. Pamper yourself at Mandara Spa or dine at Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo or Il Mulino New York Trattoria and receive up to 2 hours at Camp Dolphin free! Simply present your receipt as proof of purchase when you arrive to pick up your child.Please note: One child admitted for one hour per purchase of an adult entrée or a spa treatment of 75 minutes or more.

Cub’s Den

There is also a children’s activity center at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge that offers entertainment, dinner and fun for children’s ages 4 to 12 years old from 4:00pm until midnight. Unfortunately, it will be closed through the remainder of 2016 while the resort undergoes an extensive refurbishment.

In-Room Babysitting

Independent childcare provider Kid’s Nite Out offers one-to-one babysitting in the comfort of your Walt Disney World Resort hotel room. Arts and crafts, reading and playing games are among the fun-filled activities for children 6 months to 12 years of age.

Number of Children	Price (per hour)
1	$18
2	$21
3	$24
4	$26

After 9:00 PM, a $2 charge will be added per hour. Additionally, a one-time transportation fee of $10 is also required. Please note that rates are subject to change without notice.

In-Park Assistance
You can also reserve a childcare specialist to accompany you and your family during your visit to the parks, providing a helping hand where needed.

Reservations
To contact Kid’s Nite Out, please call (407) 828-0920, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, 7 days a week. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Contact [email protected], visit my Facebook page here or check out this eBrochure to get started on your next Walt Disney World vacation. As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with MickeyTravels, all of my planning services are always 100% FREE.

The Original Star Wars Trilogy is Returning to the Big Screen!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 12, 2016

Last December, millions of people got to see “Star Wars” make its big-screen comeback with the opening of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. And this summer, “Star Wars” will return to cinemas again with the incredibly rare screening of the original Star Wars trilogy.

The Alamo Drafthouse theater chain is sponsoring a nationwide roadshow of screenings, with “A New Hope”, “The Empire Strikes Back”, and “Return of the Jedi” being screened at cinemas in their 1997 re-release form. This is an event that doesn’t occur to often, and one that any movie buff and “Star Wars” fan should take advantage of. VP of special events at The Alamo Drafthouse Henri Mazza says, “Seeing the original trilogy on the big screen for the first time is a real life-altering event and just a supreme amount of fun. When the films became available to book for screenings like these, we jumped at the chance to do something big.”

The sale date for tickets haven’t been announced yet, but are projected to be on sale on May the 4th, and will be available for purchase at Returnofthetrilogy.com. More screenings will be added, but as of now the dates and cities of the tour are:

August 6 – San Francisco, CA / The Warfield
August 6 – Kansas City, MO / The Midland Theatre
August 6 – Washington, D.C. / Warner Theatre
August 6 – Los Angeles, CA / The Theatre at the Ace Hotel
August 6 – New York, NY / The Town Hall
August 6 – Miami, FL / Olympia Theatre
August 6 – San Antonio, TX Majestic Theatre
August 7 – New York, NY / Kings Theatre
August 7 – Dallas, TX / Majestic Theatre
August 11 – 13 – Austin, TX / The Long Center for the Performing Arts
August 13 – Philadelphia, PA / The Keswick Theatre
August 13 – Louisville, KY / Brown Theatre
August 20 – Oakland, CA / Paramount Theatre
August 27 – Boston, MA / The Boston Opera House
Date TBD – Houston, TX / Venue TBD
Date TBD – Denver, CO / Venue TBD

Not only will audiences get the treat of seeing the original trilogy in theaters again (or perhaps for the first time), but there will also be specially curated content before and after the screenings. I am going to try to get my tickets as soon as they’re available, that’s for sure! I especially can’t wait to see my personal favorite “Star Wars” film, “Return of the Jedi” on the big screen–the speeder bike scene is sure to look even more amazing! What film are you most excited to re-visit in theaters?

New boats for Frozen Ever After spotted being delivered to Epcot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 12, 2016

Boats for Frozen are being transported! @screamscape @wdwpics @Newsies @AllEarsNet @orlandosentinel pic.twitter.com/vOjN6jieYV

— The Coaster Crew (@Coastercrew) April 11, 2016

As our anticipation for the new Frozen Ever After Ride to debut grows, so does the progress Disney is making on the ride. It appears the new boats, which look similar to the old Maelstrom boats, have been spotted on their way to Epcot. Can this mean we may actually see a late May opening of the newly renovated Norway Pavilion, loaded with Frozen fun? Well, we’re not sure about that, but we do know that once the boats are in place, there will have to be testing and practice runs before they deem it safe for guests to ride. We imagine it could be some time before it’s ready, but fingers still crossed it’s May 28!!

With the new Frozen Ever After ride and the Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet at the Royal Summerhus, Norway Pavilion in the World Showcase is shaping up to be a crowd pleaser!

If you’d like to plan a trip to have your own Frozen adventure, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Photo credit: the Coaster Crew

Get Ready for Baymax Cuddle Time with These Fun Pillows

By

Danielle

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April 12, 2016

Sure Baymax is your personal healthcare companion, but he’s also your cuddle companion with these fun Baymax themed pillows. Baymax was created to have a comforting and friendly appearance, so it’s only natural that he would make the perfect Disney character for super plush pillows.

The plush cushions are sure to give great Baymax cuddle time for movies, sleep overs or even travel. There’s a U shaped neck pillow, a long neck pillow and even a Baymax themed waist cushion. Of course if you need maximum Baymax cuddle time there’s always the gigantic Baymax pillow bed!

Long Baymax Neck Pillow

This cute Baymax design plush pillow is a great portable pillow for travel, and long car rides. You can tuck it behind your head, or shoulder for heroic comfort.

U-shape Baymax Neck Pillow

This cute pillow is a great for travel, cuddle time and home decor. This would be a perfect pillow for a plane ride to Walt Disney World of Disneyland!

Baymax Waist Pillow Back Cushion

This Baymax waist pillow is great for cuddle time on the couch or in bed, to give you a soft cushion with a touch of support.

If you can’t decide there’s always this fun Baymax combo set that comes with a Baymax waist pillow, and neck pillow.

Which huggably soft Baymax pillow is perfect for your Disney cuddle time?